Birmingham to host Night Time Economy Summit

The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) is thrilled to announce that the Night Time Economy Summit 2025 will take place in Birmingham at Hockley Social Club from Wednesday, February 5, to Thursday, February 6, 2025.

This year’s summit is held in collaboration with a diverse range of partners, including the West Midlands Combined Authority, She.Said.So, Earth Percent, Skiddle, ACS, Institute of Hospitality, GigPig, Defected, and VibeLab plus many more

This year’s summit, in partnership with the International Nightlife Association, will feature representatives from across Europe, Japan, the U.S., Canada, South America, and Australia. The event will foster exciting new partnerships both domestically and internationally, elevating the summit’s offerings to new heights.

It will include dedicated stages for international speakers, hosted by VibeLab, and platforms aimed at expanding the cultural footprint of the Night Time Economy. Key themes will include queer spaces, sustainability, placemaking, well-being, security, theatre, cinema, comedy, live and electronic music, and more.

Among the most anticipated additions is a full Queer stage, developed in partnership with Gay Times and Stonewall, which will address challenges surrounding diversity and inclusion. Earth Percent and AGF will lead crucial discussions on sustainability, with each admission contributing to the work Earth Percent is doing to advance the UKs sustainability efforts in the nightlife sector.

The summit will kick off with the *shesaid.so* Brunch, a celebrated event featuring a very special keynote speaker, offering early insights into equality within the industry and key trends.

This year’s summit will deliver insights from key influencers and artists across the West Midlands, celebrating the region’s rich and diverse cultural tapestry, coupled with some of the amazing work being done in London around Black Lives In Music in the plight to end the discrimination in music, while GigPig will explore the live and electronic grassroots music challenges and why supporting homegrown talent is more essential than ever.

We are proud to officially launch the Listen for Life Campaign at the summit next year, a groundbreaking initiative in hearing conservation supported by the World Health Organization (WHO).

This campaign introduces our new Charter and Training Program, designed to set global standards for hearing conservation in entertainment venues.

By prioritising safe listening environments, we aim to protect staff and patrons’ hearing health while promoting sustainable nightlife. Together, with industry leaders and WHO, we are raising awareness, implementing best practices, and safeguarding auditory wellness for future generations. 

Electronic music will be delivered by the formidable voice of Defected, with additional label partners Hospital Records, and other key players leading discussions on the value of this genre within the Night Time Economy.

A benchmark report on the contribution of electronic music will be unveiled, providing critical insights into its economic impact.

The Summit emphasises the critical role of collaboration, bringing together over 30 trade associations to shape the future of the sector. Key partners like BBPA, Institute of Hospitality, UKHospitality, UK Cinema Association, UK Crowd Management Association, IPSA, and the Live Comedy Association, alongside many others, will unite to share insights, address challenges, and drive innovation.

Their combined expertise ensures a holistic approach, fostering a stronger, more resilient night-time economy through partnership and shared commitment.

Following the overwhelming success of last year’s Mayoral panel, we are excited to welcome back key representatives from the region to discuss their ongoing work and the vital role nightlife plays in our local economy, hosted by Richard Parker, Mayor of West Midlands.

This year’s Night Time Economy Summit will feature an engaging lineup of regional mayors and political leaders, showcasing their commitment to supporting nightlife as an essential part of our communities.

With nightlife serving as a driving force for culture, tourism, and employment, this discussion will highlight the critical efforts being made to ensure its continued growth and sustainability.

Michael Kill, CEO of NTIA and VP of the International Nightlife Association, said: “We are excited to reveal that next year’s summit promises to be one of our most diverse events yet, with dynamic insights that will resonate throughout the industry.

"This gathering will unite influential voices to discuss a variety of important topics, addressing both long-term objectives and immediate challenges.”

“What truly sets this event apart is its commitment to accessibility, ensuring that everyone can take part. It’s about fostering knowledge and expanding networks while providing attendees the chance to assess the current state of the industry. This will enable us to reflect, debate, and exchange ideas and best practices aimed at creating a safer and more successful night-time economy for the future.”

Richard Parker , Mayor of West Midlands and Chair of the WMCA said: “Our night-time economy is a key part of what makes the West Midlands a vibrant place to live and visit, employing nearly 100,000 people. From world-renowned music scenes to top-tier food and entertainment, our nightlife is central to the region’s appeal.

“As we navigate the challenges this industry has faced in recent years, I want to support our high streets and the people who bring them to life. Hosting this conference here highlights our commitment to growing this vital sector and showcasing the best of our region.

Sacha Lord, Chair of the NTIA & NTE Advisor to Greater Manchester, said:“In 2024, Manchester was proud to host the Night Time Economy Summit. We were fully prepared for it, but couldn’t believe the pull it had in terms of attendance, from all over the UK. The sell out event was a highlight of the year and one which I’m looking forward to attending this coming year, in Birmingham.

Our two city regions understand the importance of a thriving Night Time Economy and Birmingham has taken many steps to secure its future. With representatives and Mayors coming together from all over the UK and further afield , I strongly recommend you purchase your ticket well in advance, as similar to last year, this event will sell out.”

Lyle Bignon, Night Time Economy Ambassador for Birmingham, said:“The role of Birmingham and the West Midlands in the UK’s arts, culture, hospitality, music, and NTE offer – both to domestic and international markets – has long been underplayed.

“In recent years, the self-deprecating Birmingham character has given way to a new found civic and cultural pride across our region, driven by creativity, community and innovation.

“Nowhere is this more evident than in our Night Time Economy, home to some of the most exciting and pioneering businesses and leaders in Europe.

“We look forward to welcoming professionals from across the world to our city, and showing off the people and places who make the West Midlands a truly dynamic NTE destination.”

The Night Time Economy Summit being a satellite conference that travels to a new city or regions each year is vital for celebrating and supporting the UK’s diverse nightlife industry. By moving to different locations, the summit shines a spotlight on the unique cultural and economic contributions of local nightlife scenes, ensuring recognition for their creativity, vibrancy, and impact.

This traveling format fosters greater collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders, building stronger networks across regions. It also offers cities an opportunity to showcase their nighttime offerings, attracting investment and tourism, and driving innovation, which ultimately strengthens the sector nationwide.

The annual UK Benchmark Reports on Night Time Economy & Electronic Music will also be released at the summit, with expert panelists discussing the current impacts and the true economic, community and cultural value within the current UK marketplace.

The full programme for the Night Time Economy Summit and venue will be released over the coming months, with speakers and panelists approaching a huge range of topics from Politics, Business, New Government, Comedy, Diversity, Harm Reduction, Drug Testing, Electronic & Live Music, Safeguarding, Women’s Safety, Health, Well Being, Access to Funding, Grass Roots Music, Placemaking, Events & Festivals, Security, Cinema, Gambling, Licensing & Planning, Supply Chain Energy, Cost of Living Crisis, Reports, Research, Technology, Mental Health, Live Music, Grass Roots Music, Events plus much much more.

Register now for the Night Time Economy Summit in Birmingham for this landmark event, as we continue to champion the importance of the Night Time Economy in our communities.